Wiper member for a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a wiper member for a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product, including an applicator, the wiper member including:—a body extending along a main axis;—a wiping lip having: an anchoring area where the wiping lip is fixed to the inside of the body of the wiper member; a through-opening for the passage of the applicator; and a wiping contact area having symmetry of revolution about the main axis. The wiping lip is elastically deformable and made of a material of a hardness less than 70 Shore A, such that the wiping contact area is configured to come into direct contact with an external surface of the applicator when the applicator is inserted into and withdrawn from the wiper member, and to do so for a plurality of distinct cross-sections of applicators.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of wiper members for a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known from EP2425740 is a container equipped with an applicator for dispensing a product. The container comprises a container body into which the applicator can be inserted. An annular part, used for wiping off the applicator, is arranged inside the container body. The annular part is elastically deformable and comprises a protrusion that can come into contact with a portion of the applicator when it is inserted into the container body.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, due to the presence of the protrusion on the annular part, the applicator is not wiped off uniformly; there is irregularity in the circumferential wiping of the applicator. After wiping, too much product may therefore still be present on the applicator. This leads to difficulty in application of the product by a user: the excess product may drip or pour from the applicator during application. This also leads to poor sanitary aspects concerning the preservation of the product in the container: the excess product in contact with the outside is reintroduced into the container after application, where it mixes with the remaining product.

The invention improves the situation.

A wiper member is proposed for a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator comprising a stem and an applicator member, the wiper member comprising:

-   a body of generally cylindrical shape extending along a main axis,     and -   a wiping lip having:     -   an anchoring area where the wiping lip is fixed to the inside of         the body of the wiper member,     -   a free end defining a through-opening for the passage of the         applicator, and     -   a wiping contact area having symmetry of revolution about the         main axis,         said wiping lip being elastically deformable and made of a         material of a hardness less than 70 Shore A, such that the         wiping contact area is configured to come into direct contact         with an external surface of the stem and an external surface of         the applicator member when the applicator is inserted into and         withdrawn from the wiper member, and to do so for a plurality of         distinct cross-sections of rods and applicator members.

Another aspect of the invention proposes a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product, comprising:

-   a container containing the cosmetic product to be applied; -   an applicator comprising a stem to which is fixed an applicator     member at one end, the applicator being suitable for insertion into     the container, -   a wiper member according to the invention.

The features set forth in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented. They may be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another:

At rest, the free end of the wiping lip is directed towards an axial end of the cylindrical body.

During withdrawal of the applicator from the wiper member, the wiping lip is configured to deform to an inverted position in which the free end of the wiping lip is directed towards another axial end of the cylindrical body. Thus, the flexibility of the material of the wiper member allows it to adapt to applicators of large diameters, enabling uniform wiping.

The wiping lip comprises at least one vent. The vent allows air to enter and exit the container, thus avoiding a piston effect.

Said at least one vent is placed outside the wiping contact area. This position allows the vent, in addition to expelling air, to expel excess product present on the applicator. In particular, the excess product can flow into the container via the vent, thus avoiding losses.

The wiping lip comprises two vents, diametrically opposite relative to the main axis. The presence of two vents makes it possible to obtain a good compromise between efficiency in expelling air and/or excess product out of and into the container and robustness of the wiping lip. The greater the number of vents, the more the wiping lip is weakened.

The wiping lip extends in a general cone shape. This makes it possible to obtain better flow of the product, particularly into the container via the vent. In addition, the cone shape allows a larger and circumferentially uniform area of contact with the applicator. The wiping of the product is therefore greatly improved.

The thickness of the wiping lip is smaller at its free end than at its anchoring area. The flexibility of the wiping lip is thus improved. The robustness of the wiping lip is also improved since the wiping lip has a solid attachment to the wiper member at the anchoring area.

At rest, the through-opening of the wiping lip has a diameter between 2 and 5 millimeters at its free end. The wiping lip is therefore adaptable to all existing diameters and shapes of applicators.

The material is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). This material has great flexibility.

The wiping lip and the body are overmolded. This allows for example choosing different properties of materials for the lip and the body. For example, the lip may be made of a material having greater flexibility than the body.

The wiping lip and the body are made of the same material and form a single piece. This simplifies the manufacture of the wiper member.

The invention and the variants thereof provide, in general, a circumferentially uniform wiping, in particular due to the contact area having symmetry of revolution and the wiping lip having very high flexibility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from reading the following detailed description, and from an analysis of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a container comprising a wiper member at rest according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of the container at the wiper member according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic view of the container at the wiper member according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view from below of the wiper member according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic view of a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product, where the applicator is inserted into the container;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic view of a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product, where the applicator is withdrawn from the container;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic view of a wiper member, illustrating different positions of the wiping lip during withdrawal/insertion of applicators of different cross-sectional areas;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic view of a wiper member illustrating different positions of the wiping lip during withdrawal of an applicator having a large cross-sectional area.

MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The drawings and description below contain, for the most part, elements that are certain in character. They therefore not only serve to provide a better understanding of the invention, but they also contribute to its definition, where appropriate.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a device for the packaging and application 1 of a cosmetic product P, or a device 1, according to one exemplary embodiment.

The device 1 comprises a container 2 for receiving the cosmetic product P, or the product P. The product P may be a liquid, viscous, creamy, or powdered product. In particular, the product P may for example be mascara, liquid lipstick, lip gloss, eye shadow, foundation, or care cream.

The container 2 may be of generally tubular shape, such that it has a generally circular cross-section.

Alternatively, the container 2 may have a generally square, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape.

The container 2 comprises in particular a base 2 a, closing off one end of the container 2, and an opening 2 b, more particularly visible in FIG. 2. The container 2 has a main axis A extending from the base 2 a to the opening 2 b of the container 2.

The device 1 also comprises an applicator 3.

The applicator 3 comprises in particular a gripping member 4, which can serve as a cap to close the container 2 when the applicator 3 is inserted into the container 2. The applicator 3 further comprises a stem 5 and an applicator member 6.

When the applicator 3 is inserted into the container 2, as shown in FIG. 1, the gripping member 4, stem 5, and applicator member 6 are aligned along the same axis. According to one exemplary embodiment, this axis is coincident with the main axis A of the container 2.

The gripping member 4 may extend in a more or less pronounced manner along the main axis A. The gripping member 4 has for example a cross-section identical to that of the container 2.

Alternatively, the cross-section of the gripping member 4 may have any geometric shape, in particular a shape that is circular, square, rectangular, triangular, etc. The gripping member 4 may also have a cross-section that is different from that of the container 2.

The gripping member 4 may comprise an internal thread 4 a intended to engage with an external thread 2 c of the container 2. The engagement of the two threads 2 c, 4 a in particular prevents inadvertent opening of the device 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the external thread 2 c of the container 2 may be located at a neck 7 of the container. The neck 7 extends for example at the opening 2 b of the container 2. The neck 7 may in particular have a smaller diameter than the rest of the container 2.

In particular, when the applicator 3 is inserted into the container 2, the applicator member 6 and at least a portion of the stem 5 pass through the opening and through the neck 7 of the container 2.

The stem 5 is fixed at one of its ends to the gripping member 4. The stem 5 is fixed at its other end to the applicator member 6.

The stem 5 may have a cross-section of circular, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape.

The applicator member 6 is for example a tip in the form of a brush or sponge. The cross-section of the applicator member 6 may have any shape. For example, the cross-section is triangular, circular, square, or rectangular.

In general, the cross-sectional area of the applicator member 6 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the stem 5.

The device 1 further comprises a wiper member 8. The wiper member 8 is for example located at the neck 7 of the container 2. More specifically, the wiper member 8 may be inserted into the neck 7 of the container 2.

The wiper member 8 may be of generally tubular shape. More specifically, the wiper member 8 comprises a body 8 a of generally cylindrical shape.

When the wiper member 8 is inserted into the neck 7 of the container 2, the body 8 a may have a main axis that is coincident with the main axis A of the container 2.

The body 8 a comprises two open rims 8 b, 8 c. The applicator 3 is thus able to be inserted into and withdrawn from the container by passing through the wiper member 8. The upper rim 8 b of the wiper member 8 is for example intended to be level with the opening 2 b of the container 2, while the lower rim 8 c is intended to be inside the container 2.

The wiper member 8 may comprise a shoulder 8 d, more particularly visible in FIGS. 3 to 5. The shoulder 8 d may in particular extend circumferentially on all or part of the wiper member 8. In particular, the shoulder 8 d extends circumferentially on all or part of the wiper member 8 at the upper rim 8 b.

Thus, when the wiper member 8 is inserted into the container 2, and more precisely into the neck 7 of the container 2, the shoulder 8 d may be in contact with the opening 2 b of the container 2. More precisely, the shoulder 8 d rests on the container 2 at its opening 2 b.

The wiper member 8 may be retained in the neck 7 of the container 2 by any retaining means. In particular, the wiper member may be retained in the neck 7 by clamping, screwing, snap-fitting, or gluing.

Thus, the outer surface of the body 8 a of the wiper member 8 may have a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the inner surface of the neck 7 of the container 2.

In particular, the diameter of the outer surface of the body 8 a of the wiper member 8 may be between 7 and 12 millimeters.

This diameter may be chosen so that the wiper member 8 can be adapted to the largest number of containers 2. In particular, this diameter is chosen because it corresponds to the internal diameter of a very large majority of the necks of containers 2 for cosmetic products currently on the market.

It is therefore not necessary to provide a container 2 specially adapted to receive the wiper member 8.

The wiper member 8 may further comprise a flat surface 8 e, which can be used to prevent rotation of the wiper member 8 in the neck 7 or in the container 2.

The wiper member 8 may further comprise a bead 8 f, extending radially on the body of the wiper member 8.

The bead 8 f may in particular serve to retain the wiper member in the neck 7 of the container 2. More specifically, the bead 8 f can prevent translation of the wiper member 8 in the neck 7 of the container 2 along the axis A. Thus, the bead 8 f can be received in a complementary groove 7 a of the neck 7.

The bead 8 f may in particular enable secure retention between the container 2 and the wiper member 8. More specifically, the bead 8 f reduces the chance of noise or play between the container 2 and the wiper member 8, synonymous with poor quality.

The wiper member 8 may further include anti-withdrawal means 8 g. These anti-withdrawal means may be arranged at a lower end of the wiper member 8. In particular, they may be located so that, when the wiper member 8 is inserted into the neck 7 of the container 2, the anti-withdrawal means abuts against a shoulder 2 a of the container 2. The anti-withdrawal means 8 g may in particular take the form of a spear, such that the wiper member 8 can be inserted into the neck 7 of the container 2 but is difficult to remove.

The wiper member 8 may also comprise a wiping lip 9.

The wiping lip 9 comprises a free end 9 a and an anchoring area 9 b. The anchoring area 9 b is attached to the inner surface of the wiper member 8. More specifically, the wiping lip 9 may be attached to the inner surface of the body 8 a of the wiper member 8. The anchoring area 9 b may be a peripheral anchoring area, located at the end opposite to the free end 9 a of the wiping lip 9.

In particular, the anchoring area 9 b may be attached to the body 8 a at a distance m from the upper rim 8 a of the wiper member 8. The distance m is for example greater than half the length of the body 8 a. This distance m can be chosen so that the wiping lip 9 never protrudes outside the body 8 a of the wiper member 8, even in the event of the wiping lip 9 being inverted (described below).

A wiping contact area 9 c of the wiping lip 9 may be defined. More specifically, the wiping contact area 9 c, or contact area 9 c, extends from the free end 9 a over less than half of the wiping lip 9. Wiping contact area or contact area is understood to mean an area coming into contact with the applicator as the latter is wiped. The contact area 9 c is for example an internal or external surface of the wiping lip 9.

It is thus possible for the second half of the wiping lip 9, extending from the anchoring area 9 b of the wiping lip, not to be a contact area.

The wiping lip 9 may have symmetry of revolution about the main axis A of the container 2.

This symmetry of revolution allows in particular performing a circumferentially uniform wiping of the applicator 3, without wiping irregularities.

The wiping lip 9 may be elastically deformable. The wiping lip 9 is for example made of an elastomer. A material of the wiping lip 9 may have a hardness of less than 70 Shore A. The material of the wiping lip 9 is for example a thermoplastic elastomer of the TPE type.

The wiping lip 9 thus has a very high flexibility.

This material also has the advantage of being compatible with the product P contained in the container. This material also has a chemical resistance to the product P, thus increasing the useful life of the wiper member 8.

This material therefore offers the advantage of having a high durability over time, and optimal aging. In particular, the wiper member 8 is not likely to deteriorate from contact with the product P contained in the container 2. Similarly, the selected material can withstand temperatures selected within wide ranges. Similarly, the material can be resistant to UV rays.

According to one embodiment, the body 8 a and the wiping lip 9 are made of the same material.

According to one embodiment, the body 8 a and the wiping lip 9 are one and the same piece.

Alternatively, the body 8 a of the wiper member 8 and the wiping lip 9 may be overmolded. For example, the wiping lip 9 is overmolded onto the body 8 a. According to this variant embodiment, the wiping lip 9 may be made of a more flexible material than the body 8 a.

To further increase the flexibility of the wiping lip 9, the thickness of the wiping lip 9 may be small. For example, the thickness of the wiping lip 9 may be chosen between 0.2 and 2 millimeters.

In general, the thickness of the wiping lip 9 at its free end 9 a can be smaller than the thickness of the wiping lip 9 at its anchoring area 9 b.

Furthermore, increasing the thickness of the wiping lip 9 from its free end 9 a to its anchoring area 9 b provides a high resistance. Thus, despite the deformation of the wiping lip 9 as the applicator 3 passes through, as described below, the wiping lip 9 will not break.

The free end 9 a of the wiping lip 9 defines a through-opening 9 d for the passage of the applicator 3 in the container 2.

The through-opening 9 d of the wiping lip, for example visible in FIG. 5, may have a substantially circular shape.

Alternatively, the through-opening 9 d may have a square, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape.

At rest, in other words when the applicator 3 is not inserted into the container 2, the free end 9 a of the wiping lip 9 faces the base 2 a of the container 2.

At rest, the through-opening 9 d at the free end 9 a of the wiping lip has for example a diameter comprised between 2 and 5 millimeters.

This diameter is chosen, in combination with the material of the wiping lip, to allow the passage of applicators 3 of any size and any shape. This diameter also allows the lip 9 to be in direct contact with the applicator member 6 and stem 5 of any applicator. The wiper member 8 is therefore configured to wipe any known applicator 3.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the insertion and withdrawal of the applicator 3 into and from the container 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates in particular the insertion of the applicator member 6 into the container 2. The wiping lip 9 is deformed elastically to allow the insertion of the applicator member 6. The contact area 9 c of the wiping lip 9 is in contact with the outer surface of the applicator member 6. The product P which may be present on the applicator member 6 is scraped by the wiping lip 9, and in particular by its contact area 9 c, during the passage of the applicator member 6. Thus, as the applicator member 6 passes through, the diameter of the through-opening 9 d increases relative to its at-rest diameter in order to reach the size of the cross-sectional area of the applicator member 6.

Then, as the applicator member 6 has a greater diameter than that of the stem 5, when the stem 5 is in turn inserted into the container 2, the diameter of the through-opening 9 d decreases to reach the size of the cross-sectional area of the stem 5, as shown in FIG. 1. The product P remaining on the stem 5 is thus scraped off and carried away by the contact between the wiping lip 9 and the outer surface of the stem 5.

Thus, during insertion of the applicator 3, at least the free end 9 a of the wiping lip 9, and preferably at least the contact area 9 c, is in direct and continuous contact with the outer surface of the applicator member 6 and stem 5. This allows a circumferential uniform wiping off of the product present on the applicator 3.

“Direct contact” is understood to mean that the contact area 9 c exerts local stress on the outer surface of the applicator member 6 and stem 5 as the applicator member 6 and stem 5 slide in the opening 9 d.

When the applicator 3 is removed from the container 2, the wiping lip 9 may deform in the same manner as described above.

More specifically, at least the free end 9 a and by reference the contact area 9 c of the wiping lip 9 is in contact with the stem 5, removing the excess product present on the stem 5. Then, the wiping lip 9 is deformed a little more so that at least its free end 9 a is in contact with the outer surface of the applicator member 6 during its withdrawal from the container. The excess product on the applicator member 6 is thus removed, allowing easy application of the product by a user.

Then, when the applicator 3 is outside the container, the wiping lip 9 returns to its initial position, meaning its at-rest position.

Depending on the size of the applicator member 6, in particular the cross-sectional area of the applicator member 6, the wiping lip 9 may deform differently.

This is illustrated in FIG. 7. As the applicator 3 and in particular the applicator member 6 is withdrawn, the wiping lip 9 can deform and invert so that its free end 2 a is facing the opening of the container 2. This upward deformation can occur in particular when the cross-sectional area of the applicator member 6 is large.

The contact area of the wiping lip 9 remains in contact with the applicator member 6 in this upward position. The wiping of the applicator member 6 therefore also occurs uniformly.

The upward position of the wiping lip 9 may be a stable mechanical position. In other words, the wiping lip 9 does not resume its at-rest position after the applicator 3 has been withdrawn from the container 2. For example, the wiping lip 9 returns to its initial position when the applicator 3 is inserted into the container 2, pushing the free end 2 a of the wiping lip 9 downwards.

FIG. 8 illustrates positions of the wiping lip 9 during the passage of applicators 3 (not shown) having several different cross-sectional areas.

Position P₀ represents a position in which the wiping lip is at rest. Diameter D₀ thus corresponds to the diameter of the through-opening 9 d when the wiping lip 9 is at rest. As described above, diameter D₀ may be between 2 and 5 millimeters.

Position P₁ illustrates a deformation of the wiping lip 9 as an applicator 3 passes through. The wiping lip 9 is deformed such that the contact area 9 c is in contact with the applicator 3. Diameter D₁ of the wiping lip 9, at its free end 9 a, is greater than diameter D₀.

Position P₂ illustrates a deformation of the wiping lip 9 as an applicator 3 having a larger cross-sectional area than that of position P₁ passes through. The wiping lip 9 is deformed such that the contact area 9 c is in contact with the applicator 3. Diameter D₂ of the wiping lip 9, at its free end 9 a, is greater than diameter D₁.

FIG. 8 illustrates different positions that the wiping lip 9 can take when an applicator 3 is inserted into the wiper member 8. In some cases, these positions are identical when the applicator 3 is withdrawn from the wiper member 8.

In other cases, position P₃ can be taken by the wiping lip 9 when an applicator 3 having a large cross-sectional area is withdrawn. This position is illustrated in FIG. 9.

In this position, the free end of the wiping lip is facing the upper rim 8 b of the wiper member 8. Diameter D₃ of the through-opening increases to allow the passage of the applicator 3. Diameter D₃ is greater than diameter D₀, and possibly greater than diameters D₁ and D₂ described with reference to FIG. 8. During the passage of the applicator 3, the contact area 9 c is in contact with the applicator 3, enabling it to be wiped off.

The wiping lip 9 may further comprise at least one vent 10.

The vent 10 is for example located at the anchoring area 9 b of the wiping lip 9. The vent may be circular, square, rectangular, or any other geometric shape.

The vent 10 makes it possible to expel air from the container 2 during insertion of the applicator 3 into the container 2, and to admit air during withdrawal of the applicator 3 from the container 2. This makes it possible to have a substantially constant pressure inside the container 2.

More precisely, the vent 10 makes it possible to avoid the piston effect. The piston effect takes place when excess air is present in the container 2, preventing closure of the container 1.

The vent 10 also makes it possible to reduce the risk of product P spurting outside the container 2.

Indeed, in the case where the wiping lip 9 does not comprise a vent 10, the pressure induced by the insertion or withdrawal of the applicator 3 into and from the container 2 can cause product P to spurt out of the container 2. The vent allows air to travel from the container 2 to the exterior, thus reducing the pressure in the container. The presence of a vent therefore makes it possible to reduce or even eliminate any spurt of product P out of the container 2.

Moreover, and incidentally, due to the vent, the excess product P wiped off by the wiping lip 9 can flow into the container 2 while waiting to be applied. This makes it possible to prevent excess product P from drying on the wiping lip 9, thus limiting its effectiveness.

According to one embodiment, the wiping lip 9 comprises more than one vent 10. For example, the wiping lip 9 comprises two vents 10. The two vents 10 may for example be placed opposite one another. This allows a uniform expelling of surplus product P.

The wiping lip 9 may of course comprise more than two vents 10.

The invention may find applications in the field of cosmetics, and in particular in devices for the packaging and application of cosmetic products.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1: Device -   2: container -   2 a: base -   2 b: opening -   2 c: external thread -   3: applicator -   4: gripping member -   4 a: internal thread -   5: stem -   6: applicator member -   7: neck -   7 a: groove -   8: wiper member -   8 a: body -   8 b: upper rim -   8 c: lower rim -   8 d: shoulder -   8 e: flat surface -   8 f: bead -   9: wiping lip -   9 a: free end -   9 b: anchoring area -   9 c: contact area -   9 d: through-opening -   10: vent 

1. Wiper member for a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator comprising a stem and an applicator member, the wiper member comprising: a body of generally cylindrical shape extending along a main axis, and a wiping lip having: an anchoring area where the wiping lip is fixed to the inside of the body of the wiper member, a free end defining a through-opening for the passage of the applicator, and a wiping contact area having symmetry of revolution about the main axis, said wiping lip being elastically deformable and made of a material of a hardness less than 70 Shore A, such that the wiping contact area is configured to come into direct contact with an external surface of the stem and an external surface of the applicator member when the applicator is inserted into and withdrawn from the wiper member, and to do so for a plurality of distinct cross-sections of rods and applicator members.
 2. Wiper member according to claim 1, wherein, at rest, the free end (9 a) of the wiping lip is directed towards an axial end of the cylindrical body.
 3. Wiper member according to claim 2, wherein, during withdrawal of the applicator from the wiper member, the wiping lip is configured to deform to an inverted position in which the free end of the wiping lip is directed towards another axial end of the cylindrical body.
 4. Wiper member according to claim 1, wherein the wiping lip comprises at least one vent.
 5. Wiper member according to claim 4, wherein said at least one vent is placed outside the wiping contact area.
 6. Wiper member according to claim 1, wherein the wiping lip comprises two vents, diametrically opposite relative to the main axis.
 7. Wiper member according to claim 1, wherein the wiping lip extends in a general cone shape.
 8. Wiper member according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the wiping lip is smaller at its free end than at its anchoring area.
 9. Wiper member according to claim 1, wherein the material is a thermoplastic elastomer TPE.
 10. Device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product, comprising: a container containing the cosmetic product to be applied; an applicator comprising a stem to which is fixed an applicator member at one end, the applicator being suitable for insertion into the container, a wiper member, comprising an applicator comprising a stem and an applicator member, the wiper member comprising: a body of generally cylindrical shape extending along a main axis, and a wiping lip having: an anchoring area where the wiping lip is fixed to the inside of the body of the wiper member, a free end defining a through-opening for the passage of the applicator, and a wiping contact area having symmetry of revolution about the main axis, said wiping lip being elastically deformable and made of a material of a hardness less than 70 Shore A, such that the wiping contact area is configured to come into direct contact with an external surface of the stem and an external surface of the applicator member when the applicator is inserted into and withdrawn from the wiper member, and to do so for a plurality of distinct cross-sections of rods and applicator members.
 11. Wiper member according to claim 2, wherein the wiping lip comprises at least one vent.
 12. Wiper member according to claim 3, wherein the wiping lip comprises at least one vent.
 13. Wiper member according to claim 2, wherein the wiping lip extends in a general cone shape.
 14. Wiper member according to claim 3, wherein the wiping lip extends in a general cone shape.
 15. Wiper member according to claim 4, wherein the wiping lip extends in a general cone shape.
 16. Wiper member according to claim 5, wherein the wiping lip extends in a general cone shape.
 17. Wiper member according to claim 6, wherein the wiping lip extends in a general cone shape.
 18. Wiper member according to claim 2, wherein a thickness of the wiping lip is smaller at its free end than at its anchoring area.
 19. Wiper member according to claim 3, wherein a thickness of the wiping lip is smaller at its free end than at its anchoring area.
 20. Wiper member according to claim 4, wherein a thickness of the wiping lip is smaller at its free end than at its anchoring area. 